Standard protein migration on Ready Gel Tris-HCI precast gels. The banding patterns indicate the optimal separation ranges (in kD) for each acrylamide percentage in combinations with the specified buffer system. Migrations are based on the leading dye front being run to the bottom of a gel.

Discontinued ProductA number of Ready Gel gels have been discontinued and replaced with Mini-PROTEAN® or Criterion™ gels. However, we will continue to provide support for customers using Ready Gel gels.

Use for Native or Denaturing PAGE

SDS-PAGE is a denaturing protein electrophoresis method used for separating complex protein mixtures by size, allowing estimation of the molecular weight of sample proteins. Ready Gel Tris-HCl gels are made without SDS. SDS can be added to the sample and running buffer to create standard SDS denaturing electrophoresis conditions. These gels can also be used to run proteins under nondenaturing conditions for subsequent analysis of their native conformation and activity simply by omitting SDS from the running buffer. Native analysis does not provide accurate molecular weight information.

Gel Selection

On single-percentage gels, optimal separation occurs in the lower half of the gel. Gradient gels optimize separation along the entire length of the gel. When selecting a single-percentage gel, choose the percentage in which your sample's proteins of interest will migrate to the lower half of the gel.

In general, single-percentage gels will best separate bands that are close in molecular weight. If your sample contains a broad range of molecular weights, a gradient gel allows both high and low molecular weight bands to be resolved on the same gel. Molecules with a range of sizes can be separated on linear gradient gels because the larger pore sizes allow resolution of larger molecules, while pore sizes that decrease toward the bottom of the gel restrict excessive separation of small molecules.

Gel dimensions (W x L x thickness)

8.6 x 6.8 x 0.1 cm

Cassette dimensions (W x L x thickness)

10 x 8 x 0.4 cm

Gel storage conditions

Store flat at 4°C; do not freeze

Gel shelf life*

8–12 weeks for Tris-HCl, Tris-Tricine, zymogram, TBE, TBE-urea

* From date of manufacture.

What is the education discount policy?

For more than 15 years, Bio-Rad has made science education a major priority. To support this effort, the company has implemented a discount policy that allows high school and college teaching laboratories to purchase kits, instruments, reagents, and other equipment at preferred prices.

How do I apply for the education discount?

If you are an educator at the high school or college level, visit our Education Discount Policy page to establish an education account number.